258 Great and Small Game of Africa 



long as they think themselves in sight. They have three distinct cries ; 

 one is a sharp, clear, barking note, not unlike that of a bushbuck, but much 

 less intense ; this is invariably uttered when they scent or hear anything 

 suspicious at a distance. I have not noticed that they bark thus when they 

 have made out the cause of their alarm, nor can I say if both sexes call in 

 this manner. When put up at close quarters, they utter a sharp whistling 

 snort, and at pairing time the rams, when chasing the ewes, make a loud 

 bubbling sound like a he-goat. A wounded buck, when laid hold of, 

 bleats in a similar manner to a duiker. The young are born between mid- 

 November and mid-December, and are darker than the adults, being deep 

 reddish-yellow in colour, the under parts and insides of the limbs pale 

 cream, with a faint rufous tint. 



The most extreme watchfulness and caution are necessary to bring 

 these antelopes to bag ; the sportsman must be on their feeding-grounds 

 at least an hour before sunrise, and during that hour can devote his 

 attention to the small clearings and narrow open glades, carefully examin- 

 ing each 50 yards of ground in front of him as he advances up wind. If 

 numerous spoors and droppings in any particular spot indicate that it is 

 a favourite resort of the game he seeks, it is best to take up a position and 

 watch patiently ; but as soon as the sun casts its shafts of light amongst the 

 trees, he must leave the open ground and, entering the forest, endeavour 

 to stalk with extreme care. In the pairing season the rams can be heard 

 in all directions, and are then exceedingly unwary and easy to approach. 

 Much less caution is necessary towards noon, when the antelopes are lying 

 down. All likely spots — those well shaded and with a sprinkling of under- 

 bush — must be tried, and when the animal springs up, at once kneel down 

 and watch its erratic flight till it stands, when an easy shot will be 

 obtained. They are very delicate and easily killed, although with a badly 

 placed bullet from the small rifle which I recommend for shooting them, they 

 will sometimes go a long distance, and may be lost altogether in the forest. 



